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Come on down to Cowley Beach this Saturday for the next beach clean-up. Photo supplied: Cassowary Coast Regional Council
More than 30 volunteers rolled up their sleeves at the recent Kurrimine Beach clean-up, removing an incredible 518 kilograms of rubbish and marine debris from the beach.
With turtles and birds among the local wildlife recently injured by marine debris, organisers say there is still plenty to be done.
Residents are now being urged to lend a hand at this Saturday’s Cowley Beach Clean Up and help protect local wildlife. The clean-up begins at 8.30am at the Cowley Beach boat ramp, followed by a BBQ lunch. Everyone is welcome to take part.
By Victoria Velton
Three dead sea turtles washed ashore. A bird left helplessly hanging from a tree after becoming tangled in kite string. In the space of just one month, Mission Beach Wildcare Inc has responded to a troubling series of wildlife incidents along the coast.
Among the most recent cases were two immature green sea turtles found washed ashore within a week of each other, both showing signs consistent with Floaters Syndrome.
One turtle showed obvious signs of starvation, while the other was covered in moss, suggesting it had been floating helplessly for some time.
A separate turtle found off Dunk Island was described as extremely thin, with a long tail indicating its age and moss covering its shell. Mission Beach Wildcare said the turtle appeared to have been starving for some time and may also have ingested foreign material.
The wildlife group also recently came to the aid of a Metallic Starling found entangled high in a tree by what appeared to be kite string, with the kite handle still attached.
While rescuers were initially unable to reach the bird, local wildlife supporter Mark Gough assisted with the rescue effort, highlighting the importance of community members stepping in when wildlife is in trouble.
Mission Beach Wildcare has urged residents and visitors to think carefully about what they buy, how they use it and, most importantly, how they dispose of it.
Vigilance is particularly important along the coast, where rubbish can travel through waterways and onto beaches where it becomes a hazard for marine life and birds.
Recent clean-up efforts also show what can be achieved when the community comes together.
More than 30 volunteers took part in the annual Kurrimine Beach Clean Up, removing an incredible 518 kilograms of marine debris and rubbish from the beach and surrounding areas.
Residents are now invited to do their bit at the upcoming Cowley Beach clean-up, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council teaming up with Tangaroa Blue, Mandubarra Aboriginal Land & Sea Inc and Parley Australia to remove marine debris from the Cowley coastline.
The clean-up will begin at 8:30am on Saturday 19th September, at the Cowley Beach boat ramp, followed by a BBQ lunch.
Everyone is welcome to take part. Bring a hat, enclosed shoes and a water bottle, and help remove rubbish before it can cause another wildlife emergency.
Register for the cleanup: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HB6PXTM
Recent incidents along the coast are emphasizing the importance of keeping rubbish off the beach.
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